Un bain contrarié c. 19th century

"Un bain contrarié" (A Frustrated Bath), a lithograph from the 19th century, is a satirical work by the renowned French artist Honoré Daumier, known for his social commentary and caricature. The print portrays the absurdity of a man's failed attempt to swim in a body of water. Daumier’s exaggerated depiction of the swimmer’s form, with elongated limbs and an outsized head, adds to the comical nature of the scene, while the detached, observational perspective of the artist further emphasizes the humor. This work embodies Daumier’s signature style of social critique through visual exaggeration, which made him a significant figure in the realm of satirical art.